Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Scott

The Year in Fights: The Best and Worst of 2008

Matt Scott — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:37:31 -0400

I'll try to make this as simple as possible. The fights will be split into four categories: Most Impressive Display of Determination, Most Exciting, Least Impressive, and Most Overhyped. Each category will receive one winner, as well as one honorable mention.

Most Impressive Display of Determination

Jon Fitch vs. Georges St. Pierre

I don't normally buy it when a fighter claims that he possesses an "undying will" or something along those lines. I firmly believe that when you're knocked out, your will doesn't have a say.

This fight displayed the influence that a fighters' heart can have on a match. Almost anybody else would've been finished in the first round. Fitch took everything that St. Pierre gave him, and remained active throughout the fight.

Georges was clearly more proficient in almost every aspect of the fight, but Fitch held in and almost caught Georges numerous times. It was also great to see the actual "No. 1 vs. No.2" in a title fight.

Honorable Mention: Damian Maia vs. Jason MacDonald

Neither fighter possesses any sort of impressive stand-up fighting. They both throw sloppy punches and have mediocre take-downs and clinching abilities. On the ground though, they are both juggernauts.

With Maia having some of the most impressive BJJ techniques that I've ever seen, this fight was spelling disaster for MacDonald going in. In the early stages, MacDonald was caught in numerous "tight" submissions, and he found a way to continuously escape. He deserves all the credit in the world for lasting as long as he did.

Most Exciting

Shinya Aoki vs. Gesias Cavalcante II

With the first fight ending in a no-contest, this rematch was an extremely desirable fight for "hardcore" MMA fans. Aoki cemented himself as one of the best fighters in the world, with some ridiculous techniques. Cavalcante did his best, but couldn't keep up. Aoki's standing body-triangles and "Crab Walk" attack put this fight into first place.

Honorable Mention: Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell

The Affliction: Banned card was billed as the greatest heavyweight card in MMA history. Those of us who bought into the hype were beginning to be disappointed. With many lackluster finishes, this card was seemingly doomed for disaster.

This fight began slowly, but when the action picked up, we saw the Arlovski of old re-emerge as a serious heavyweight contender. Impressive combinations and flurries of punches injected excitement into this card. This pick may be biased due to my undying admiration for that wolverine of a man, as Pulver vs. Faber also deserves a honorable mention.

Most Over-Hyped

Quinton Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin

Many billed this as a potential "Fight of the Year" candidate. Its aura was increased due to the TUF show, and we were assured that it would not disappoint. Well, it did. This fight was surrounded with controversy, as many believed that Forrest's win was not "decisive enough," and apparently it was enough to also make Jackson lose his mind. This boring five-round decision definitely disappointed.

Honorable Mention: Fedor Emilianenko vs. Tim Sylvia

Just hear me out. I like to see Sylvia get demolished as much as the next guy, and it definitely was exciting. But I thought this fight would be a true test for Emelianenko? Isn't that what everyone was saying? I wanted to see Fedor get caught in some sticky situations and fight his way out of them. We all knew that he was the No. 1 heavyweight out there, but now who can truly test him?

Least Impressive

Kalib Starnes vs. Nate Quarry

This gets No. 1, as it was probably the worst fight I've ever seen. Whether or not this fight was Starnes' way of rebelling against the UFC, or protesting his contract, it doesn't take away from the brutal fight that is easily the worst of the year. And is likely the last time that Kalib will see his name on top of any list.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy

With Vera being often undersized in the Heavyweight division, this fight was his emergence into, what many believed to be, a weight class that he could dominate. He was slowly lowered into the waters, instead of being tossed into an already stacked weight class, with a match against a relatively unknown wrestler in Reese Andy.

Vera did everything but impress in this match, as he pulled off an unconvincing decision. This could be the beginning of the end of Brandon Vera at light heavyweight. The truth hurts, doesn't it?

Thanks for reading. I'd appreciate your input and contributions.

Antonio Silva's Positive Steroid Test Another Step Back for EliteXC

Matt Scott — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:52:08 -0400

In the constant media circus that is EliteXC, a new revelation has emerged. The CSAC (California State Athletic Commission) informed the media that EliteXC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva has failed an administered drug test. The test was administered by the CSAC immediately prior to his fight for the then-vacant EliteXC heavyweight title against Justin Eilers on July 26.

Silva has been accused of testing positive for the anabolic steroid Boldenone. Silva has been suspended for one year, and been fined $2,500. It is very likely that Silva will be stripped of his title.

Officials tested two samples, with each sample going to separate laboratories. They both tested positive.

For those of you who are unaware, Boldenone is a veterinary steroid, commonly used on horses. This is important, because Silva now can not claim that the steroid was given to him by a medical doctor. The likelihood of him winning an appeal is virtually nil.

It is also important that this steroid is Boldenone, as Boldenone stays in your system for over 18 months. This means that it is very possible that it was used before the Ricco Rodriguez fight, on the EliteXC: Street Certified card Feb. 16.

A message was later released by Silva’s manager on popular MMA forum "The Underground":

Dear Family, Friends, Fans and Public,

I did not use the steroid Boldenone, or any other steroid of (sic) prohibited substance. I don't agree and never have agreed with the use of this kind of product in order to win, for this is cheating. I will go to the full extent of my power and the law to prove my innocence in this matter.

It's good to know that Silva will be claiming his innocence, but it will be an uphill battle. I'm sure more details will emerge in the near future, but, in the meantime, you be the judge.

Updated:

Alex Davis, Silva's manager, recently released his own personal statement on the same forum:

My friends, Antonio is one of the hardest working, most serious athletes I know. He also is a man that holds high his principles. We dont (sic) know at this point how he tested positive for a horse steroid, but what we do know is that he doesn’t make use of these kind of products. However, we will find out or die trying.

We are always reading about guys getting caught and declaring [their] innocence, and it is always met with a degree of skepticism, but the [truth] is that career hurting mistakes are being made and it is high time the we find out how and why they happen. We are extremely sure of ourselves in this matter and are willing to go to the very gates of hell to prove that we are being wronged. Hopefully, this will not only clear Antonio, but also help clear other peolple (sic) that have had the same thing happen to them.

Kimbo Slice: Childrens' Movie Star

Matt Scott — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:02:38 -0400

Stereo Vision Entertainment, Inc., a film production company focused exclusively on developing high quality, low cost, polarized 3D feature films, announced today that the undefeated Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon Kimbo Slice will be co-starring with Hulk Hogan in Stereo Vision's hilarious kids' comedy "Kung Fu U" in 3D.

-Exerpted from "FightLine.com"

Where to begin?

Am I the only one that has trouble imagining Kimbo Slice being a voice actor? Or seeing this as a good career move for a man who has yet to establish himself in a sport where he is constantly criticized?

Then again, I always have seen Kimbo as a loveable looking guy, perfect for kids movies.

Rumor has it that upon receiving an e-mail of inquiry in regards to playing a role in a movie titled "Kung Fu U", Kimbo responded by saying "Kung fu** you too, buddy".

Fabricio Werdum: The UFC's Next Heavyweight Champion

Matt Scott — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:46:15 -0400

With one fight remaining on his current contract, heavyweight title contender Fabricio Werdum has revealed to the Brazilian website Tatame.com that he has already signed a five-fight contract extension with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Werdum, the former PRIDE standout, holds a record of 2-1 since entering the octagon. Rumors are circulating that he could be matched up with the debuting Junior Cigano at UFC 90 on Oct. 25 in Chicago. This will be his last fight under his old contract. With a win, it's likely that he will be the No. 1 heavyweight contender.

Interim UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir are expected to be fighting on Dec. 27 in Las Vegas. Werdum would be in line to face the winner.

Now, for some of you, Fabricio Werdum is just another name that you can't pronounce. Let me be the first to tell you, in the words of Joe Rogan, "This guy is for real." With wins over Alistair Overeem, Aleksander Emilianenko, Roman Zentsov, Brandon Vera, and Gabriel Gonzaga, his resume speaks for itself.

In fact, his only losses have come via decision. And of his three losses, one is to former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, and other is to former PRIDE heavyweight champion and current UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Quite the mouthful, isn't it?).

Werdum is a two-time Brazilian Jui-Jitsu world champion, 2007 ADCC world heavyweight champion, and European Jui-Jitsu champion. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo. Up until 2006, he was actually the BJJ trainer to Mirko "Cro Cop."

After his loss in his first UFC match to Andrei Arlovski, he began training at Chute Boxe in Brazil, and became a far more aggressive fighter. He won his next two matches via TKO.

Werdum is now in line for the storybook finish. Assuming that Nogueira beats Mir (which is a huge assumption), and that Werdum beats Cigano, Werdum can fight to avenge his loss for the UFC Heavyweight Championship belt. My only words of advice: Don't bet against Werdum.

Dana White Is a Fan, Not an Owner

Matt Scott — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:42:11 -0500

I apologize for the language in this video, it's being used to get a point across.

After the UFC failed in signing Fedor, White went on to say "I don't think Fedor is a top-five heavyweight in the world, and I'm not saying that because I didn't get Fedor. I've always felt that way about Fedor and I always felt Randy Couture would beat Fedor … Fedor is a farce". Now am I the only one that thinks this is absurdly childish? Dana White has a lot of power and wields a big stick, but he doesn't always use objective conscience.

Or how about the UFC's most popular (and arguably best) fighter leaving the organization citing the belief that Dana White was taking advantage of him? White responded by calling Couture's agent a "scumbag" and saying that he had "bitch slapped" him.

And what is with White giving his favorite, or the more exciting fighters title shots? I'll give you a quick example from the Light Heavyweight division, but this is happening in every weight class. Keith Jardine has wins in his last three fights over Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell (Former LHW Champ), but it is Forrest Griffin getting the title shot against Quinton "Rampage"Jackson at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale.

Dana White picks the fights that he wants, and not the fights that the fighters deserve.

Lyoto Machida Accepts Fight Against Tito Ortiz

Matt Scott — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:01:08 -0500

A week after defeating the highly touted Rameau Sokoudjou at UFC 79, Lyoto Machida has been offered a fight with the former Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz. Machida has accepted the fight and is awaiting acceptance from Ortiz, who is expected to say yes (assuming that he is "fired" by then).

Machida has wins in the UFC thus far over David Heath, Sam Hoger, Kazuhiro Nakamura, and Rameau Sokoudjou. Outside the UFC he has wins over Stephan Bonnar, BJ Penn, and Rich Franklin.

I am not the first to say this, but this guy is for real. Assuming that Sokoudjou beats Ortiz (which will not be easy by any means), it is being tossed around that a fight against Keith Jardine or Rashad Evans is in the making for Machida. If this is the case, then his fight following one of those could be for the title.

Having shown just how talented he is, Machida could very well be our next UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (following the Griffin/Jackson fight of course). Fighting out of Black House, where UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueiro (Big Nog) also train, Machida has all the makings to be a contender. He has the apparent work ethic of a champ, as well as an unorthodox southpaw stance stemming from his karate background that will throw many fighters off their game.

The Machida/Ortiz fight has interesting makings and could easily be a "Fight of the Year" candidate, but just as easily a boring three round decision smothering. Let's just hope they come out swinging.

The Arrival of Brock Lesnar

Matt Scott — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:21:24 -0500

Brock Lesnar will be fighting Frank Mir at UFC 81: Breaking Point, on Superbowl weekend. This is clearly an intriguing matchup, as Lesnar's strength is grappling and Mir's is ground submission.

Lesnar finished his amateur wrestling career as a two-time NJCAA All-American, two-time NCAA All-American, two-time Big Ten Champion, and the 2000 NCAA heavyweight champion with a record of 106-5 overall in four years of college.

This guy is clearly no joke.

But how serious are his mixed martial arts skills? In his first official MMA match, Brock defeated Min Soo Kim by submission (via strikes) in just more than one minute. Unfortunately, Min Soo Kim is not exactly top competition. Lesnar was dominant, but that was largely thanks to his wrestling technique. Many see Lesnar as the next UFC Heavyweight champ, but I plead you all to wait until he fights someone with ground skills before you give him the belt.

It will also be interesting to see how Lesnar deals with the UFC's illegal substance policy. In January 2001, Lesnar was arrested for receiving a large amount of steroids. The charges were later dropped when it was discovered that the illicit substance was, in fact, growth hormones.

Lesnar is a physical specimen with ridiculous wrestling skills. We have seen how effective fighters can be with a predominant wrestling background (Matt Hughes, Randy Couture) but it should be interesting to see how he can take a punch from a striker, which probably has not happened to him yet.